Osimhen vs Kolo Muani – Stats clearly show winner of Manchester United’s alternative Harry Kane

Manchester United are exploring several avenues to add a world-class striker to their ranks during this summer’s transfer window.

With just three days to go before the transfer window officially opens, it’s no secret that Manchester United are prioritizing the signing of a striker this summer.

After a successful first season under Erik ten Hag, in which much progress was made, United have ambitions to take the next step in 2023/24. For this to become a reality, the financial constraints of Ten Hag’s transfer budget need to be eased.

The Dutchman is looking to strengthen several departments in his squad but continued uncertainty over the prospect of a takeover means he may not have the resources to get what he wants. However, it is clear that money has been set aside for the former Ajax boss to bring in the striker he desperately wants.

Ten Hag are particularly keen to sign a world-class striker this summer and, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News in March, have designated Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane as their main target. The United manager is said to be “obsessed” with the England captain but the Reds believe Spurs will not sell the 29-year-old this summer despite him entering the final year of his contract.

Wisely, United have compiled a roster of alternatives and selected a wide range of forwards who they believe would enhance their attacking prowess, with Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Hojlund, Randal Kolo Muani, Goncalo Ramos and Mohammed Kudus all kept in sight. eye. Each member of the aforementioned quintet is made up of quality players who would breathe new life into United’s pool of attacking options. However, when it comes to bringing in a striker for big money, it’s an investment that United, like any other club, cannot afford to miss out on. Strikers cost a lot of money and are required to deliver the goods if signed for a hefty transfer fee.

Of all the names in United’s shortlist, Napoli ace Osimhen is probably closest to Kane’s level, in terms of being described as a world-class operator. Hojlund, with whom Ten Hag has had conversations, and Ramos are young men who still have a lot to learn, while Kolo Muani and Kudus, though slightly older, have yet to reach their respective peaks.

If United fail to sign Kane, Osimhen, certainly on paper, would be their next best option. He is coming off a stellar season in Italy, scoring 31 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions and helping Napoli win their first Serie A title since 1990. Yet his value is growing rapidly, as is his value and appeal.

And so, depending on the size of their budget, United might be forced to take a closer look at one of the other names on their shortlist. The Reds are eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt star Kolo Muani, who has scored 23 goals and registered 17 assists in all competitions this season.

He joined the Bundesliga club under contract last year before his contract with Nantes expired and put in an excellent performance in his first season in Germany, scoring 40 direct goals. Just as Osimhen has been at Napoli this season, Kolo Muani has been Frankfurt’s top scorer and has played a pivotal role in all attacking play.

Considering the two have made 32 league appearances this season, the stats compare well, although it’s important to understand the differences in the leagues they’ve played in. However, Kolo Muani surpassed Osimhen although he did not score as many goals in the stats as dribbling per 90, attacking actions per 90 and assists per 90.

Ten Hag likes his attackers to connect play and be involved in building. That’s why it’s so important for him to sign Kane, who is not only a brilliant goalscorer but also an architect. The Spurs ace has registered 32 assists in all competitions over the past three seasons. Like Kane, Kolo Muani is a creative striker who, with smart passing and good knowledge of the game, can create chances and get others into play. In the 2022/23 season, he surpassed Osimhen in all passing parameters

With an average of 13.32 successful passes per 90, 0.68 key successful passes per 90 and 0.94 third successful passes per 90, the Frenchman is clearly capable of taking the game to a high level, as evidenced by his record of 17 assists this season is highlighted. Compared to Kane, his passing values ​​were better than Kolo Muani’s, but not by much, and the Frenchman has produced more key passes per 90 this season.

Even though Osimhen has scored eight more goals than Kolo Muani in the 2022/23 season, the latter is a similar type of player to Kane who likes to put others on the line and is central in attack.

Osimhen could by all reports offer a better guarantee of scoring the goals United need, but Kolo Muani could be a cheaper option. It certainly cannot be ignored.

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